Actress and Musician Candy Tsamandebele’s story is one of strong roots, personal pain, and deep purpose.
Born and raised in Bolobedu, she started singing in her mother’s traditional music group and has since become a well-known voice in South Africa. She is not only a singer and actress, but also a woman who uses her life experiences to uplift others.
After losing her son 14 years ago and being diagnosed with diabetes, she found the strength to keep going and built a legacy that touches many lives.
In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Candy talks about where it all began, how she overcame life’s toughest challenges, and why keeping culture and language alive through music means so much to her.
Where it all began
Candy began her musical journey in her mother’s traditional group, Khekhapha. She reflects on how that early experience laid the groundwork for how she now expresses and upholds her culture through her music and public persona.
“I always say, “I didn’t choose traditional music — it chose me.” Growing up, I understood from an early age that our culture is not something to be performed, it is something to be lived. The drums, the ululations, the stories told through song those were my lullabies and my lessons. That foundation gave me not only a musical education but a spiritual one. Today, when I step on stage or enter a studio, I carry my ancestors with me. My music is not just entertainment. It is memory, language, and legacy,” said Candy.
Dealing with personal loss and health challenges
As Candy continues to share her journey, she opens up about a deeply personal and sensitive chapter of her life. She has endured profound loss and serious health challenges, yet found a way to turn those hardships into a source of strength through her foundation.
She talks about the inner resilience and support that helped her persevere when life tried to quiet her voice.
“Losing my son was a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone (02 August 2011), and when I faced my health challenges, I truly understood how fragile life is. But my voice whether singing or speaking became my lifeline. I knew I had two choices: to let grief bury me or to let it transform me. The Candy Tsamandebele Foundation was born from that place of transformation. I wanted to be a vessel for healing, especially for rural women and children. My strength comes from my faith, from the women who raised me, and from every person who has ever said, “Candy, your music saved me.” In truth, they saved me too,” said Candy.
Candy, the first woman to speak Khelobedu language on national TV
Candy made history as the first woman to speak the Khelobedu language on national television. She shares what that moment meant to her on a personal level, and reflects on the impact it may have had on young girls who saw themselves represented through her.
“That moment was not about me, it was about us. For years, Khelobedu speakers were told our language was not “official enough,” not “proper” enough for mainstream media. But language is power. The day I spoke Khelobedu on national TV, I broke a barrier that had silenced many before me. I wanted young girls from Bolobedu to know that they do not have to erase who they are to be heard. That their stories, in their mother tongue, are valid. I walked through that door, so they never have to knock again,” said Candy.
A career spanning decades
Despite the many challenges life has thrown her way, Candy has built a career that spans decades—working with major labels before eventually starting her own company. She reflects on how becoming independent has helped her discover the true power of her voice, both as an artist and as a businesswoman.
“When you are signed to a big label, you often have to fight to be yourself. As a woman and especially as a traditional artist, the pressure to conform is real. Independence taught me how to say no with confidence and yes with purpose. It taught me that my worth is not measured by trends, but by truth. Owning my company means owning my story, my sound, and my schedule. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And it has reminded me that success rooted in authenticity lasts longer than hype,” said Candy.
Preserving language and culture in her work
As the interview comes to a close, Candy reflects on her deep commitment to preserving language and culture through her work. She speaks candidly about the risks of losing cultural identity in the entertainment industry and shares how she actively safeguards her own.
“When we lose our culture, we lose ourselves. The entertainment industry can be a beautiful space, but it’s also a space that often rewards imitation over originality. If we are not careful, we become echoes of others instead of the voices of our own people. I protect my identity by staying grounded in where I come from. I speak Khelobedu proudly, I dress in my traditional attire unapologetically, and I collaborate with others who respect the value of heritage. Culture is not a costume , it’s a calling. And mine is to preserve it, protect it, and pass it on,” said Candy.
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